Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo, 1866

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo, 1866 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo, 1866

Series; The Eight Dog Heroes of Satomi

The Eight Dog Heroes of Satomi - Handsome kabuki portrait from the series "The Eight Dog Heroes of Satomi" (Satomi hakkenshin no uchi). These legendary samurai were the offspring of a mystical union between Princess Fuse (Fusehime), the daughter of Lord Anzai of the Satomi clan, and a dog. The brothers were raised by different families and did not meet until later during their many adventures. Each has a surname beginning with "inu," the Japanese word for dog. Large, expressive three-quarters length figures are set against interesting backgrounds, with a scalloped title cartouche at top. A rarely seen Kunichika series depicting these popular characters.

Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo, 1866 - Great kabuki portrait of Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo pushing a boat into the water, a tightlipped frown on his face as he looks up to see three men in dark silhouette passing nearby. He wears a kimono with patterned stripes over a red tie-dyed under robe, a white cloth tied around his neck. At right, reeds and grasses grow along the edge of the water. An expressive figure. The first time we've seen this subject.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - Good detail. Small loss, a few holes, repaired. Creasing throughout.

Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo, 1866 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Nakamura Shikan IV as Inuta Kobungo, 1866 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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